Join the Virtual Red Bandana Run
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. --The Boston College’s men’s lacrosse program is excited to invite everyone to this year’s Red Bandana Memorial 5K in support of the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust, which will be done virtually this fall.
If you have not heard the about Welles Remy Crowther, the Man in the Red Bandana, it is one that you will not soon forget. Welles, a former Boston College lacrosse player, selflessly gave his life in order to rescue over 10 individuals in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Welles was working in the South Tower and, when the plane hit, he tied is trademark red bandana around his face to block the smoke.
As he made his way to the exit Welles led a group of injured and disoriented survivors to the stairwell to find the nearest operable elevator, administering first aid and putting out fires on the way.
When his group successfully made it to the elevator to escape the collapsing tower, Welles selflessly turned around and went back up the 17 flights of stairs he had just descended. Going back into the fire and destruction on the floors above to find more survivors and lead them down to the exit.
In the days following the attacks people reported a man with a red bandana tied around his face had saved their lives. A man they would all refer to as the man in the red bandana. Welles, a volunteer firefighter, had carried with him a red bandana since his father first gifted it to him as a child. It quickly became clear that Welles was the man in the red bandana and his selfless act saved over 10 people that day.
Welles was a leader on and off the lacrosse field during this time at Boston College. His courage and dedication to service has continued to have a profound impact on the team ever since he first arrived on Campus.
BC Midfielder Connor McGinley recounts when he first heard of Welles.
“It gave me a whole new outlook on what it means to be courageous and selfless. The annual Red Bandana Run gives us a chance to carry on his memory and uphold his legacy by supporting the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust.”
The trust serves young men and women who embody the character of Welles through scholarship programs.
This year, the Red Bandana Memorial 5K will be held virtually, allowing those outside of the Boston College community to participate in celebrating the legacy of Welles Crowther all over the nation.
This event will be taking place from October 17-30. Those who sign up for the run are encouraged to join the Boston College men’s lacrosse team, or can create a team of their own to honor Welles and those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Everyone is encouraged to promote this event by posting your 5K route and time on social media.
Below is the link to register through the RaceWire service. Everyone who registers will receive a special Red Bandana Buff (neck gaiter) through the mail.